Silky Spain dismantle France to book World Cup final spot

Spain delivered a masterclass in control to sweep past France 2-0 in the World Cup semi-final, leaving the tournament’s so-called favourites stunned and turning the spotlight firmly on Luis de la Fuente’s quietly brilliant side. France arrived in Tuesday’s clash as the overwhelming pick to reach the final, backed by the firepower of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise. But from the first whistle, Spain dismantled that narrative with a performance that was as disciplined as it was devastating. Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty and Pedro Porro curled in a stunning second – Spain’s only two shots on target – to put the game beyond reach before the hour mark. France managed just three attempts on target all night. “Spain scalped France – they flattened them,” said former Premier League winner Chris Sutton on broadcaster Radio 5 Live. “We’ve given France so much praise, but they were swatted aside by silky Spain.” Roy Keane, speaking on ITV, added: “France were not playing as a team. Brilliant individuals not playing as a team. Spain have been absolutely brilliant – an absolute joy to watch.” De la Fuente, who took charge in December 2022 after a quiet career with Spain’s youth sides, has now led La Roja to a Nations League title, the European Championship crown and a place in Sunday’s World Cup final. The 65-year-old was written off as “Luis de la Who?” at his appointment, but his team’s unbeaten run now stands at 37 matches – matching Italy’s all-time record. Spain’s defensive numbers are staggering: they have kept six clean sheets in seven games at this World Cup, the first team ever to do so in a single edition. Against France, they conceded an expected goals (xG) figure of just 0.3 – the lowest by any side in a semi-final since Brazil against Sweden in 1994. Teenager Lamine Yamal, who has never lost a Spain game, started his 12th match across World Cup and Euros and walked off a winner for the 12th time – a perfect 100% record. Spain’s path to the final has not been flashy: a goalless draw with debutants Cape Verde, a last‑gasp win over Portugal in the round of 16, and an 88th‑minute winner against Belgium in the quarter‑final. But they hit top gear against France. French World Cup winner Patrick Vieira said: “Collectively it was a fantastic game from Spain. They stopped Olise playing – they won the game tactically.” Ian Wright summed it up: “Structure over individuality. I am just shocked it happened that easily.” Spain will face the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between Argentina and England. If England prevail, it would be a repeat of the Euro 2024 final. France, meanwhile, must pick themselves up for the third‑place play-off.